Devils ready for finals assault

By Todd Whelan

Dan Jordan’s Devils made it three wins on the trot to secure fourth placing on the BFNL ladder as the home and away season concluded last weekend. An Elimination Final against East Point in Ballarat this Sunday awaits.

‘Mature’ was the buzz word used by Jordan in the aftermath that best described the nature of performance from his seemingly young group. While midfield leaders Dylan Landt (three goals) and Luther Baker (two goals) stood up in the second half in the absence of Brett Bewley (managed), it was the depth of lesser like contributors that proved significant. It was the Devils fifth win in eight home games and the second win against top six opposition in the last month. While external expectation on the Devils chances in their return to finals are tempered, their willingness to compete cannot be denied. Only Melton and Ballarat have won more games. Surely spirited momentum and a recent win over East Point, albeit in the ‘East’, gives them some hope overcoming the reigning dual Premiers.

Darley’s younger brigade continue to grow and were able to hit the scoreboard on Saturday as leading forward Nick Rodda (one goal) had his hands full, often outnumbered 3-1 in the air.

While North bigman Cam McCallum was imposing in the ruck with another haul of hit-outs, credit must be given to the Devils Ayden Tanner for his combative intent and workrate.

North Ballarat did hit the lead in the third term arresting a 19 point deficit at the main break before the Devils steadied at the 25 minute mark to regain the advantage at the final change. In a nutshell, the Devils kicked six of the last nine goals of the game to get the job done.

FINAL SCORES

Darley 2.2-14, 9.6-60, 10.8-68, 15.10-100

defeated

North Ballarat 2.3-15, 6.5-41, 9.8-62, 12.10-82

Darley (Whelan’s Best) – D. Landt, L. Baker, J. Cadman, M. Brett, Z. Lehuray.

Darley (Goals) – D. Landt 3, L. Baker 2, B. Colley, J. Bewley, *N.Rodda 1, Z. LeHuray, S. Page, D. Bishop, J. Cadman, T. Van Leith.

*Nick Rodda finished tied with Ryan Carter (Melton) for the Tony Lockett Medal with 56 goals for the Home and Away season.

*LIVE RADIO 2PM SUNDAY – APPLE98.5FM – Darley v East Point (Elimination Final).